Wood Lap Rails - Treated

Often called 'split rail fence', Treated West Virginia Lap Split Rail is not truly split when made; it is cut at a sawmill. One side of the rail is often 'half-round' while the other side shows where the rail was put through a saw. Typically the half-round side is faced out and the cut-side in. The pine posts are also run through a sawmill; the inside and outside of the post is often cut and the sides may be cut or be a natural half-round. Treated lap rail fence is very rustic in appearance. Each rail and post come in a slightly different size and shape. WV lap rail is available in a two rail (approx. 36" high) and a three rail (approx. 48" high) style. Rails are 11' long and overlap through the posts to make 10"-3" to 10'-6" post centers.

Advantages - Treated lap rail fence is one of the most cost effective styles for defining boundaries, decorating property, and fencing in livestock and horses. Lap rail fencing is also one of, if not the easiest style of fence to install making it an ideal project for the do-it-yourselfer. Posts are typically set directly in the ground approx. 24-30" deep without any concrete. A tamping bar is used to compact the dirt around the post while backfilling.

Disadvantages - It is typical to have to retamp posts plumb after the ground settles around post so that the fence remains upright. This is especially true if the fence is installed in a wet area or it was wet when the fence was originally installed. Pouring gravel around the posts instead of backfilling with dirt will help prevent posts from leaning under the heavy weight of the rails. Fence requires a preservative for the longest-lasting performance, however most installations are never treated.

ORDERING NOTES:

West Virginia Lap Rail Fence is style that is component driven. Most wood fence styles utilize fence panels, but this rustic style is made up of individual posts and rail. This fence is readily available in 2-Rail and 3-Rail styles.

A complete section of 2-Rail fence would include (2) Posts, and (2) Rails. A 3-Rail section would include (2) Posts and (3) Rails.